Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/21/2014

Florida has second highest rate of homes underwater

A new report released by RealtyTrac says that 31 percent of homes in Florida were seriously underwater. That means the combined loans amount secured by the property is at least 25 percent higher than the property's estimated market value. More at the AP.

How to create a powerful and effective marketing message

Why are marketing messages difficult to get just right? I never thought it would be so hard to do. It took me a little time and even then I tweak it now and then. Some people I speak with tell me that after ten years in business they still don’t have a marketing message they’re happy with. More from Ron Stein.

Supreme Court stays out of Florida drug-testing challenge

Florida Small Business

Start with a Better Business Plan

A business plan is a written document that describes the nature of your business and the product or service you intend to provide. It should include an executive summary; descriptions of your marketing strategy, management team and financial plans; and supporting documents such as tax returns, cash flow projections and lease agreements, etc.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected Florida Gov. Rick Scott's request that it review a lower court ruling that his drug testing policy for state employees was unconstitutional. The decision was a victory for labor unions and their legal advocates. More at the Tampa Bay Times

While the nation looks for solutions to the problem of rising sea levels, some coastal communities in Florida are taking action to save themselves from sinking into the ocean. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Small Business Advice Does your company need "Business Interruption Insurance?"

Business Interruption Insurance (BII), which is intended to compensate the company for income lost in the event physical damage renders it inoperable for a period of time, can provide so much value in so many ways. More from Jerry Osteryoung.

Profile Austin Onyejiaka

In his native Nigeria, in a town just outside the capital of Abuja, Austin Onyejiaka runs three plastic factories, employing about 50 workers — a tiny cog in what fast has become the powerhouse economy of Africa. But Onyejiaka, 39, actually runs his operation from an office inside his Miramar home.